The 50th César Awards held on February 28, 2025, at l'Olympia was not just another night to recognize the brilliance of French cinema; it served as a poignant tribute to the late actor Michel Blanc. This emotional ceremony saw members of the famed Splendid troupe, among them Josiane Balasko and Thierry Lhermitte, rise to the occasion to pay homage to their dear friend, who left us on October 3, 2024.
Blanc, known for his versatile roles ranging from comedic to deep dramatic performances, forever shaped the French film industry. He was cherished not just for his talent but for the humor and charm he infused with each character he portrayed. During this year’s awards, Balasko addressed the audience with palpable emotion, exclaiming, “Puta*n, quel acteur !” — capturing the essence of their lost companion.
The heartfelt tribute unfolded as Balasko and Lhermitte reminisced about their shared histories. With laughter and tears mingling, Balasko humorously remarked, “Since he left us, we keep talking about him—much more than before. Whenever we bump to friends, the conversation circles back to Michel, and it becomes quite the burden!” Their reflections not only paid tribute to Blanc’s extraordinary career but also commemorated their lifelong friendship.
Complementing the spoken tributes, the César ceremony featured archival footage showcasing key moments from Blanc's career. This retrospective brought back memories of his remarkable beginnings at Café de la Gare and his memorable performances in quintessential films like “Les Bronzés,” which brought him to widespread fame.
The gathered audience, filled with both industry leaders and fans, responded with tears and laughter, celebrating Blanc's legacy spanning over 87 films. Both Balasko and Lhermitte shared their fond memories, with Lhermitte reminiscing, “I’ve known Michel since we were teenagers. My life truly began when I met him, Gérard Jugnot, and Christian Clavier.” This bond and the joy they discovered together encapsulated the spirit of their tribute.
What struck many during the evening was the balance of humor and sorrow, typical of Blanc himself. Balasko fondly recalled, “Michel loved music but hated the biniou—too much biniou, as he’d say, kills the biniou.” These insights not only highlighted his humorous nature but also painted him as someone who appreciated life’s paradoxes.
Eventually, the tribute took on greater significance as the audience was reminded of the overall loss felt within the film community. Michel Blanc's noteworthy accolades included five nominations for Best Actor and two for Best Original Screenplay at the Césars, finally earning the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “L’exercice de l’État” back in 2012.
His genuine gratitude during his acceptance speech, where he voiced his doubts and ambitions, sheds light on the self-reflective character Blanc embodied—a man of humor and earnestness, perfect for the stage and screen. His presence, now physically absent, continues to resonate through the stories and memories shared by those who loved him.
This year's César ceremony also took the time to honor other memorable figures from the industry, including legendary actor Alain Delon, who passed just months prior. Both actors left indelible marks on French cinema, and their shared legacies were reunited through emotional appreciations at the awards.
The event, hosted by Catherine Deneuve and featuring various actors, aimed to balance humor with deep nostalgia. Jean-Pascal Zadi opened the night, warmly saying, “We’ll have some laughs and poke fun at each other, but let’s also celebrate the wealth of our French cinema.” Through performances and tributes, the community came together to reflect on those who were not just names on credits but dear friends, colleagues, and influences within their craft.
By the end of such emotional tributes, the audience left with memories sustained to honor Michel Blanc—his laughter, his genius, and those moments solidified the man born to entertain. Whether through tears or smiles, Blanc’s presence, though absent, filled l'Olympia as one reflected on the incredible mark he left not only on cinema but on the hearts of those gathered.
Today, Michel Blanc’s legacy continues to inspire. The outpouring of love and admiration displayed at the César Awards showcased the impact he made on generations of fans and future filmmakers. Indeed, he may have left the stage, but the memories of his vibrant spirit remain etched among those who had the privilege to know him or watch him shine on screen.